india girls artist

It’s mythology with a modern twist. Mani Ratnam’s next film will be an interpretation of 'Ramayan' featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the modern-day Ram and Sita, respectively.

Mani Ratnam’s last directed the pair in his hit film 'Guru'. The venture is likely to go on the floors by the end of the year and will also be made in Tamil. Ratnam’s version of Ramayan will have Govinda essaying the role of Hanuman.

Govinda’s manager Shashi confirmed the news: “Yes, Govinda accepted the role at the very first go. He did not even think twice as Mani Ratnam is such an eminent director and he is making a film on 'Ramayan'. So he gave a double thumbs up.”

Govinda, Shashi felt, was the best choice to play the modern day avatar of Hanuman. As for Ravan, the other central character, there were two names doing the rounds initially — Aditya Panscholi and Vikram, but the latter finally made the cut.

Incidentally, Vikram will also be playing the part of the modern-day Ram in the Tamil version. Ratnam has reportedly been wanting to make a mythological film for some time now. A couple of years ago he was thinking of making 'Mahabharat', but Ravi Chopra announced his version of before Ratnam could.

In fact, around the same time Raj Kumar Santoshi had also announced his plans for making 'Ramayan' with Ajay and Kajol Devgan in the lead. Post 'Guru', Ratnam has been toying with several projects. One of them, with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, fell through. Another project, centred around a flower market, withered as well. So for now it’s revisiting 'Ramayan' for Ratnam.

Source : entertainment.in.msn.com

She is a true 'Diva', the face that has given Bollywood enormous hits in the past and yet, has her legs firm on the ground! Yes, we are talking of our own Jodhaa, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who has reached the pinnacle of success after the stupendous response that Jodhaa Akbar has got, both in India and overseas.

Reports are ripe that Ash will be paid a whopping 4 crore for the Rajnikanth starrer, 'Robot', and this means the actress will break all records and will be tagged the highest paid actress in India. Well, even this huge money does not make this lady smile, as she is heartbroken as her hubby dearest, Abhishek is going for a long schedule in Miami for the shoot of newcomer director, Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana, produced by Karan Johar! Well, wondering what the reason for the grief is?

The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who recently completed Sarkar Raj with her legendary father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and husband Abhishek Bachchan , is now looking forward to her Hollywood release Pink Panther 2 .

Ash is quoted as saying in a news report that what was nice about her role in the movie was that it was not culture-specific.

“What makes my role special is that they haven’t specified my nationality. Nor have I been made to put on any accent. In fact, every other character is culture-specific. Except mine. That was really nice. We all have done our best. And when we started shooting in Paris, Abhishek was with me, so it was very nice,” Ash said.

Ash also praised Hollywood actor Steve Martin saying, “He’s fantastic. An institution. He has unbelievable comic timing and such energy. It’s incredible how hard he works at his age on the physical comedy. Just like Pa! Pink Panther 2 is completely Steve Martin’s film.”

However, Ash refused to admit that ‘Pink Panther 2’ being an international project was extra special to her.

Ash and Abhi not only make a perfect off-screen couple but they look fabulous together on screen too. That’s why they are the first choice of any filmmaker. They have been signed by cinematographer and director Rajiv Menon for his forthcoming film Dhun.

It will be produced by Eros Entertainment. It is a light-hearted love story based on music. Both Ash and Abhi liked the storyline and they signed the project before they were off to Miami.

The shooting of Dhun will commence in February 2009. Since it is a music oriented film, Menon had roped in AR Rehman to compose the music of Dhun.

Grapevine also buzzed that when Abhi failed to give dates, Menon approached Saif Ali Khan for the male lead. But Menon showed his ignorance about the matter. Mani Ratnam had also signed the happening duo for his next project. Aishwarya and Abhishek have done couple of films together but they were able to show their dynamic chemistry in Guru only. Hope the audiences like their pairing and they remain immortal on-screen.

“Aishwarya has proved herself to be a good bahu. Now she wants to help with the family business,” said a source.

Ever since Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan cleared his debts, he has nourished the dream of reviving his company, AB Corp.

AB Corp ran huge losses and most of its projects, be it films or the Miss World event, only created problems and could not make any profit.

With Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan busy with their film commitments and Jaya Bachchan with running the house and politics, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai has stepped in to help the family business grow.

Through Ash, the company now is negotiating with filmmakers to restart production work.

Sources say that its first film will have Abhishek and Ash and will be most probably directed by Goldie Behl .

The company plans to launch as many as six films in the coming months.

Another source said, "The plan is in place, to make a movie with Abhishek and Aishwarya. Goldie has been assigned to direct this movie, and a couple of story ideas are under consideration. After the release of Drona , whichever of these scripts shapes up best, will be chosen as AB Corp's comeback into production. The official announcements will made by the end of this year."